First Christmas for lil Jack

Yoga kitty

Yoga-zen kitty. Enjoying the after glow...

Betty

Investigating the package...

In memory of My big sis

For the past few years I haven't been able to put a Christmas tree up. It's just always been too painful. Her favorite holiday and she's not here. I often wonder what life would be like if she was still here ... I miss her so deeply. 

Virginia this is for you. Merry Christmas. Truly wish you were here with me 

Sweet Oliver

Four years ago today I woke up to my kitty Oliver enduring fatal  health issue that would eventually end his life. Thankfully he didn't suffer long. The vet said they couldn't help him. He had lost the use of his back legs and his lungs were quickly filling with fluid. I can't remember the name of the condition, but it's similar to a stroke, and even if it occurs in a hospital they can't do much for the beloved pet. It was such a sad day. I miss him.

He was a sweet guy; when he wanted to be. We had a love hate relationship. If I was paying attention to him he would hiss and attack me. But when I came home at night I could here him jump from the bed to the floor and hop down the steps to greet me at the back door jumping up and rubbing my leg and purring. He would be hissing and growling at me one minute and curling up and purring with me the next. I miss his quirkiness. 

My daughter brought him home one night and he was instantly at home. He always had this attitude that he allowed us to live in his house. He had that attitude the rest of his life. He was a loner, and when I brought home two other kittens, or when my daughter brought her kittens over he got a real attitude. But he loved my kitty Betty. She was the only cat that could get near him. I even caught him sleeping near her one afternoon. When he didn't come home from the vet she knew something happened. She didn't allow us to touch her pick her up for a week. He was her buddy. She was heart broken. 

I still remember going to pick him up from the vet office. How heavy my heart felt, and the love the staff extended in their condolences.  I could see the sadness in their eyes too. They cared for him for most of his life and they knew his temperament and how loving he was on the flip side of it. 

We miss you Ol!! Thank you for bringing us such love and devotion. RIP sweet man. 

The first snow of the season

It's been a week of frigid temperatures some days dipping into the single digits with the windchill. So I figured the predicted storm would deliver
a lot of snow today. It began late in the afternoon. Driving home was a little slick it appeared to already be sticking. They protected the storm would come mostly during the late-night and early-morning hours. It started to snow late last night and continued until early this morning.

When I woke up the Jeep look like this:

First snow with the 1996 Orvis (for me). 

I had to do some digging to get the Nissan out. But the Orvis drove right over the snowdrifts. Was kind of fun to look at the expressions of people when I drove out instead of digging out. 

Listening to the news tonight they're predicting another snowstorm Tuesday! So my running schedule is truly suffering. Sometimes I really miss having my own treadmill as much as I despise them. **HEAVY SIGH**

Beat Santa 4 Miler in Old Orchard Beach

This morning on the way to Sebastian's birthday party I stopped to run the Beat Santa 4 mile race in old Orchard Beach.

Is a small race that I read about online and decided to stop by and run before heading up to Windham. 

I hadn't been in old Orchard Beach for a long time. It was freezing cold!!! I was not feeling my best. It started later in the morning than I'm used to. Finding my pace is a little difficult. It was a fun race though. A lot of people dressed up as elves with wings, and bells and fun tights with elf like shoe coverings. The kids that saw the elves running down the road were very excited and happy. Yelling and clapping and pointing them out to mom and dad. Most of the beach was closed down and deserted. Was a nice easy course. No major hills except for one at the start. Around the 3 mile mark I was starting to feel like I had no energy left. So it wasn't working out to be a stellar race for me. I was surprised when I saw the clock reading just under 37 minutes. A nine minute plus pace isn't bad for feeling as bad as I was. 

After the race I stuck around for a little while to warm up  and to see the results. The first page I had a look at was actually the awards page. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had placed third in my age group. This wasn't actually the first time that's happened, but the first time I stuck around to actually experience the thrill of it. For slow runner like me it's quite an accomplishment. Not everyone was as excited over my accomplishment as I was though…LOL

As you can see I am still quite chilly at the finish….

Feaster Five --Happy Thanksgiving--

The Feaster Five in run in Andover, Ma. This year was the 26th running. As usual it was cold. And crowded. Between the two races nearly 10,000 people ran it.

This was the second time I ran it. The last time in 2011 I didn't remember so many people. And I didn't remember being caught in the back of the pack. It took me 15 minutes just to reach the start line. Then I was weaving in and out of people walking, people pushing strollers, people walking dogs. I finally got from behind all the slower runners and walkers at mile 2 where I settled into a semi normal pace. Albeit slow. I was freezing.

I never did warm up. I kept my hat and gloves and layers which I usually peel off and toss in the car or hand off to Chris, not this time. I ran 4 miles before I even started to warm up. Brrrr..

Apple pie at the finish! And they actually had GF snacks I could eat. Kudos!!! Finished under 50 minutes which was my goal.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Falmouth Road Race in the Fall

I have always wanted to run this race in the summer. Getting a slot in the race is nearly impossible, so when I saw this one listed I jumped right on it! Again it is limited, but I lucked out and got my application and money in on time. The process is old school running. You actually have to mail your application in with a check!! I love that part of it.

I wasn't sure where I was going to I got up early. It was freezing and flurries were flying around, but I headed to Falmouth anyway. Got there a lot quicker than I was told I would so I sat admiring the empty beach. Cold wind blowing with only two people enjoying the shoreline.

I lined up and got on the bus early. That was a mistake! I ended up standing around in the freezing cold for 2 hours at Woods Hole. I did a few warm up jogs trying to stay warm.

We started at Woods Hole and ran back to Falmouth Heights where this rocks sits. It's a very hilly run, but beautiful. Finished the 7 miles in 1:06. Just about what I was expecting! 

After the race they had chowder but I didn't par take in that and instead met up with my friend Carol who was honeymooning on the Cape. Great vista, fun race and good times. 

The Devil's Chase

Ran the Devil's Chase in Salem on Saturday. I attempted to run this a couple of years ago, but got lost in Salem then was late for the race so I bagged it. This year I got there early and enjoyed the pre and post race festivities. Really fun race and good time...both fun wise and time wise. Salem is always good for a good running time. As is Plymouth.

This is a blog article on the race...
The Devil's Chase in Salem 6.66

Unlike the author, I love Halloween and running, so it was a great time. I just can't imagine running in a costume. It was interesting dodging the swinging pitchforks. Great course and beautiful weather.

Finishing at the Devil's Chase in Salem 10.26.13

I spent the summer training for a marathon, but life got in the way of achieving that goal. After my Dad died I just couldn't get back into the training mode. For a while I was depressed. A friend of mine suggested I look for another marathon to run. But being late in the year already I didn't see that happening. One I thought of running I only heard bad things about so I decided against that. I don't want my first marathon to be a bad experience.

So I opted for running some shorter distance races. I ran the Run to the Rock with my niece in September, that got me into the race mode. I say race and not racing because I don't race. I run to run nothing else but to enjoy the experience and run with other runners. Last weekend I ran a 5K in Salem the Witch City 5k that I ran a couple of years ago and loved. Salem is a great place to run. I always have a great time and I love the feel of the city, especially this time of year.

The Devil's Chase was the third race that allowed me to see my training wasn't a waste. I can see how it's made me stronger even if I'm not using it in the way I wanted. But that's what life is about right. Switching gears when you need to....

Happy Birthday Jesse!!!

Happy Birthday to my little boy....who is 32 today!!! 

Jesse 10.15.81

Day in the life...

My totally awesome Jeep. 

Memories of Scott

I was having a dream last night about off-roading in my Jeep. I was driving through this area in Maine that is not a place you could four wheel. I came to this clearing and my nephew Scott was standing in front of the Jeep looking at me. I leaned into the steering wheel and gazed at him, wondering if he was real. I got out of the Jeep and walked over to him. I asked him what he was doing there. He said "I came to see you--this is our place." I looked around and suddenly I woke up. I hate when I wake up in a dream before I figured it out, before it feels finished.

While the dream was still fresh I realized it was where we went riding on our mountain bikes the last time I saw him. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. It was such a perfect time. He was so special to me. I remember when he was born. He was the most gorgeous baby and turned into the most handsome man. He had the most amazing smile. He loved nature and adventure and life.

It's been 10 years since he left his physical body. I still miss him. It doesn't feel like it's been 10 years. Whenever I'm with my son I think about him. Jesse was born the day after Scott's 2nd birthday. I wanted to have him on his birthday, but it didn't work out that way. I wonder what Scott would be like today. He'd be coming up on his 34th birthday.

I miss you Scott. Rest in Peace...

 

Robert Scott

October 14, 1979 ~ October 8, 2003

October 10, 2003

Boonsboro man, 24, dies in I-695 motorcycle crash

A 24-year-old Boonsboro man was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a guardrail on a Baltimore Beltway off-ramp in Glen Burnie late Wednesday night, Maryland State Police said.

Robert Dabbondanza's motorcycle slipped through the guardrail and slid about 130 feet on the off-ramp from Interstate 695 to Route 2, police said. It was unclear yesterday whether he had been wearing a helmet.

Dabbondanza was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where he was pronounced dead shortly after the 11:50 p.m. accident, police said.

Speed and alcohol consumption appear to have contributed to the crash, police said.

Kontiki Reunion 2013

This is a charity event to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. My friend Denny and his band the Barker Gang play every year. This year I ran the video camera so only captured a few shots on my phone. 

Had a fun night. Entered a raffle. First time I ever won anything in a raffle. Won twice. A Billy Sheehan signed photo and Blondie's  sign set list on drum covers. 

Thoughts on Dad and his life

Oh boy, where do I start? 

He taught me the beauty and power of nature. He made me into the lover of nature I am. Maybe more than he had hoped for, as he often called me a crazy environmentalist. He thought I loved nature too much at times. And that my favorite nature author, Henry David Thoreau, was just a touch over the edge.

He taught me to be brave. Which is probably one of the most useful skills he taught me. It has helped me in so many aspects of my life.

He taught me to appreciate a good thunderstorm.

So it was quite ironic that the morning I set out to head toward his wake my morning run conisided with a  thunderstorm. A mile out the sky opened up. I was caught in a downpour and completely drenched in thirty seconds. I could hear him questioning my decision to run on that particular morning. Then the thunder started -- I heard him even louder cautioning on being near water in a storm, so I sprinted home.

Most of my life I had a close relationship with my Dad, but not so much the rest of my family. His wake and funeral provided closure for me in more ways than one. And also allowed me to see that life is heading in a new direction. Time to write a new chapter. But where to go from here...

I wasn't given the opportunity to speak at his funeral, but this is what I would have liked to have shared:

As a little girl he taught me to be brave and not to fear the dark and thunderstorms, to appreciate nature, family, friends and life. But most of all how to love and appreciate your children.

Dad was the most amazing man I ever knew. He loved nature, and was kind and friendly to everyone, even those he didn't particularly like. Everyone loved my Dad. I never met anyone who ever said a bad thing about him. Every man I ever dated, the man I married and later divorced, always liked him and remained friendly with him, because he was that kind of man. He loved his family, past, present and future. Everyone I told of his passing said to me "he was such a great man."

He was a lover of art, poetry, music, books, nature and life.

He was an artist and a poet. As a little girl I would sit in his studio in the basement and watch him paint and draw for hours. We never really said anything. I just watched him. Every once in a while he would call me over and show me how to "see" certain things. I attribute this to my ability to see things at a deeper level today.  I watched him design the house that he and my mother grew old together in. Building each room carefully and skillfully.

He could recite a poem right out of his head. When I was young he would recite "The Duel" over and over. I think he recited that poem to every child in our family.  One of my favorite poems he would recite was Robert Frost "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" most often at bedtime. I still remember how he would say the last lines… "and miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep." I brought a book of Emily Dickinson poems one day whenI came to visit and he started reciting her work and telling me about her life. He also wrote the most beautiful poems from the depths of his heart about those he loved most -- his family and my mother. The last birthday card he sent me, was the most beautifully written card. I knew, as I read it, it was to be the last one he would send. I think he did too.

He loved music. I remember listening to Herb Alpert and Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra and various other swing tunes.  He always had the stereo playing; wanting to teach me the jitterbug. I was always amused listening to him sing "Yesterday" in the shower at the top of his lungs.  My daughter, Jamie,  called him a crooner because she loved the way he would sing the hits of the swing era. He was definitely a crooner.

He was a great story teller, he told stories of growing up that were full of detail and humor. He could take you back to when he was a young boy in a second. You could see and feel his experiences through his story telling. The antics of him and his siblings growing up in the 40's. I always loved to hear about his life as a kid. It provided such insight into who he was as a man. It wasn't always a happy story, but it was always well told and entertaining; full of historical facts and adventure.

The last time I came to visit Dad we went to Jug Bay, and Merkle Wildlife Area.   We walked around the area and he pointed out birds and plants and fish as we walked along the path. He pulled up his binoculars and showed me the house from the other side of the river. He sat and watched the birds as I took photos of them and the area, and of him. It always amazed me how he could point out points of interest from where ever he was. He always knew exactly where he was. Where north, south, east and west were. Although leaving there he did tell me me to turn the wrong way, because the GPS was wrong, and we got lost for a few minutes. He, of course would deny this. "We just took a detour." Because he knew I caught his sense of exploring.  He loved being in nature.  When I drove across the country I later visited him we went through every place I explored. I told him about each area. He said it was like being there looking at my photos. I wished he could have been with me. I know I would have seen and learned so much more. I thought it was ironic that the painting in the hall of the funeral home looks just like MWA. I paused when I saw it and reflected on that day with him. A day I will always treasure.

Watching geese at Merkle

He had the knowledge of one hundred men! He always knew the answer to everything. Driving down from New England Chris kept asking me questions about the area. I would reply, "I don't know, but my Dad would have." He knew every bird that flew in the sky, every fish that swam in the ocean, river and lake he went to. He taught me to respect the praying mantis. And locusts.  And snakes. And that collecting insects and turtles was alright, as long as I returned them. He knew the history of every place he visited. He loved lighthouses, the ocean, and the Maryland coast. He said that Maryland was the best state in the union. That the sun always shined in Calvert County. It was true the day of his funeral, the sun was shining bright. It was a beautiful blue sky, with puffy white clouds, and Chris, who unfortunately never met my Dad, saw a group of turtles sitting on a log near the shore of a pond not far from where he was laid to rest, and said "your dad would like that," I said he sure would.

Dad and Bean blowing bubbles.

As a grown woman he taught me to be brave and not to fear the dark, to enjoy thunderstorms, to appreciate nature, family, friends and life. To accept your children as they are and love your grand children with all your heart.  And that I was cared for and taught how to live life by an extraordinary man.

Robert Riggins

June 6, 1930 ~ August 28, 2013

Run to the Rock 10K (also 5k and half marathon)

  I ran this race with my niece, Ginette in 2011 and we wanted to make an annual thing, but last year I was  injured and she ran the half. This year we decided on the 10K and thought we'd upgrade if we were feeling frisky. We weren't feeling frisky. So the 10K it stayed.

Race morning I got up showered had a banana, grabbed a Dunkin for Chris and myself. He drove to Plymouth, which is an hour plus drive. We got there early so I had another banana and downed a 32 oz water bottle. I looked around for my niece. I told Chris "I don't know, I feel like I haven't run in a year." I was really working myself up. By the time I found Ginette her Dad had left for the finish line. We chatted for a bit, and I had to pee really bad so I got in line for the port-a-potty. She came looking for me looking very worried.  LOL We lined up. After the week we both felt we were pretty much doomed!! She told me not to wait for her, because her running had be awful too, and just run my own pace. So I agreed. And told her the same. 

We lined up in the very back. The first mile is a lot of little rolling hills, that I had forgotten about, and one big hill right about mile one. After about a half mile I was feeling good, weaving in and out, but had to keep reminding myself of the big one coming up, so I held back. I turned the corner and saw the hill and thought "oh crap I don't remember it being so high." About half way up my legs were burning and I kept warning to walk but I was determined to make the hill. And wool!! I did. After that I felt like I had it. I felt really good.

I stopped at every water stop. They have one every mile or there about. I carried a GU with me. I had never tried doing this in a race, but I thought this was doomed anyway, why not. At mile 3 my watch said 27:40. I was feeling pretty good about finishing in an hour. At mile 4 I took the GU and two cups of water (only filled 1/2 way). I had a lull in my running after taking it, but found my rhythm again about a 1/2 mile later. It was a beautiful day for a run. I saw a guy running in these stiff, kind of like women's dress sandals. I was so amazed watching his foot strike and observing him. The water was beautiful. Mile 5 seemed to disappear. So I didn't check my time and couldn't gauge where I was. Then I saw the finish line. 

When I saw 57:40 minutes on the clock. I kicked it into high gear. It was funny a lot of people started yelling and cheering when I did that. I remember this one guy "say YEAH that's the way to kick it. GO, GO, Go!!!" Made me laugh, so I'm sure I probably have a funny look on my finishing photo.  I was flying after finishing in under an hour. 58:14 chip time. I felt awesome!!! I haven't broken an hour in a 10K in probably 10 years.  Felt really good to have everything just turn around like that.  The temp was perfect around 60 but warmed up quickly, but still not too bad. I think it was 74 at the finish. I was running along saying 'thank you' to all the volunteers and police and felt really good, even though NONE of the cops acknowledged me at all. Except the one at the finish chute. 

I looked for the guy with the sandals, but there were too many people. I wanted to talk to him about that. I understand, sort of the barefoot running thing, but sandals I was really interested in hearing about. 

My niece's Dad came up to my and said "what'd you do with my daughter" I said she told me to keep running...he replies "so you just left her in the dust" and we laughed. She actually did well too finishing in 1:04. I always have a great time running with Ginette, both times I've run this I've had a good time. So enjoyable running with family. 

Went back to her Dad's place on the water walked on the beach, collected some rocks, and put my feet in the cold New England water and headed home. It was a really fantastic day!! Even though my Dad never watched me run a race I felt like he was there watching me from where ever he is. 

Beach at Plymouth

Run to the Rock 10K

Chris picking up rocks

RIP Pop

I will miss you...

Driving home MD to MA

In PA. At a rest stop. Chris couldn't believe the size of these...

Old Port Half Marathon

Ran the Shipyard Old Port HM today. What a challenging run. The race consisted of some serious hills through the west end of Portland. My son tried to warn me about The terrain in the West End. But did I listen oh nooooo!

Got up early on Sunday morning which is my birthday. I showered and woke Chris. We stopped at Dunkin' Donuts to grab a coffee and headed to Portland. We got there rather early which was the plan and found parking rather quickly. We parked and walked around the new Ocean Gateway facilities there. 

At the start it felt rather cool and I thought the race is going to be okay, However, when I reached mile one I began to realize how warm it was out. I stopped at the porta potty the line was too long so I decided to head on. I lost five minutes there. I looked around thehilly  West End and ended up at the porta potty again. And again lost five minutes. At this point I was at mile five Running along Commercial Ave. and Munjoy Hill. Not only is Munjoy Hill a big hill to climb but I could feel the temperature rising. It was at this point that I decided I needed to walk more. I passed mile six and was looking for a water stop which was at mile seven. 

I stopped at the mile seven stop and got a water and Gatorade and began to walk. And walk. And walk. I ended up walking till mile 10, which was basically the entire back cove area. It was at this point that I realized I had totally blown my predicted time of two hours and 20 minutes. And when I reached mile 11 I realized I had blown my predicted time "long time" of two hours and 30 minutes. 

But it this point it was so hot that I had determined that I was going to be lucky to just finish. Everyone that I was around was walking. At mile 12 I began to run. I walked a short while at 12 and half miles.Stopped  to be sprayed by the hose the  fireman were holding. That was my saving grace. 

From that point on I finished the race and felt pretty good. I was able to finish the race on both feet with a smile on my face and not need medical attention. So I felt pretty damn lucky!! Even though it was my longest half marathon ever 2:52. 

I think Chris was relieved to see me finish without collapsing. 

Was definitely the most challenging race I have ever run. Not necessarily the course but the course combined the weather. Not sure I'll ever do that again. 

Had a great time anyway. Finished up with a lunch at Flatbread Pizza And a nice shower.  Then headed home.  And a quick dip in Chris's pool when I got home. Was a fantastic birthday!!

1996 Jeep GC

Bought a Jeep .....

Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon

My birthday present to myself....can't wait.

What’s NEW » Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon & 5k

Ominous freaky atmosphere

Ominous clouds approaching. 

On cleaning out

Found these in a photo box cleaning out closets attempting to limit accumulation. It seems unending. I hate collecting unnecessary items... But these hold so many memories.

1970's Concert days

Step One

Finally got my bike out if storage... Now to get it road worthy. Plan is to use it more this summer for commuting and cross training.

TREK 820 waiting....

Many Faces of Bet

T minus 2 hours

Waiting at the Philadelphia International Airport. Arrived in PHL with a 3 hour layover. It's amazing how hard it is to kill time ... Walked around the terminal, ate, looked in some shops, repacked my bag that has too little room. Still have 2 hours to go....sigh

Jamie and Kyle

The happy couple March 8, 2013

3.7.13 Forth Worth Stockyards

Visited the Stockyards with Jamie and Kyle. Jamie sat on a longhorn. Then we walked through the rodeo display and waited for the Longhorn Drive. The Longhorns didn't seem to be too excited to entertain the humans.

3.6.13 off to the Lone Star

A bumpy rough ride to Charlotte. Heavy turbulence, a packed flight, men wearing too much cologne a woman vomiting resulted in the worst flight I ever experienced. Was glad to disembark and breathe some fresh air.

The flight to Dallas was much better. Talked to guy from Kentucky and slept.

I landed and found Jamie and Kyle fairly quickly. We headed out for some sightseeing. Stopped by the Trinity River Bridge and then to The Sixth Floor Museum. A wonderful museum in the Book depository where Oswald shot JFK

The Butterfly Place

Rainy, cold, miserable day. What better day to spend at the Butterfly Place?